The Shipwrecked Mind

In this thought-provoking book, Mark Lilla explores the reactionary mind, illustrating how modern reactionaries are motivated by sophisticated ideas rooted in nostalgia and fears about rapid societal change. Drawing on historical philosophies and political narratives, he reveals how various ideological movements—from Europe's right-wing to radical Islamists—use these stories to shape their visions of the past and future. Lilla demonstrates that despite the decline of revolutionary movements, reactionary forces remain a powerful and enduring influence in today’s political landscape.